The Nationals have activated outfielder Juan Soto and right-handed reliever Will Harris from the injured list, per Mark Zuckerman of MASNSports.com. In corresponding moves, the Nationals designated infielder/outfielder Hernan Perez for assignment and optioned righty Kyle McGowin to Triple-A.
The Nationals held an ugly 5-9 record when Soto went on the IL on April 20 with a strained left shoulder. To their credit, though, the Nats did more than stay afloat during their superstar hitter’s absence. After going 7-3 while Soto was on the shelf, Washington sits at 12-12 – good for a half-game lead in the National League East. They’ll have to continue playing without Soto at full strength for a little while longer, as manager Dave Martinez said the 22-year-old still isn’t ready to throw in games (via Zuckerman). For now, he’ll serve as a pinch-hitter. That should continue leaving right field to Yadiel Hernandez, who has come up large with a .362/.444/.500 line in 36 plate appearances.
Harris, 36, has yet to debut this year as a result of right hand inflammation. There was a fear Harris would require thoracic outlet surgery, but he avoided that procedure and will now rejoin the Nationals’ bullpen a month into the season. The club signed Harris to a three-year, $24MM contract entering last season after a strong run with the Astros. Harris did throw 17 2/3 innings of 3.06 ERA ball with a 25 percent strikeout rate in 2020, though his fielding-independent numbers (4.09 xFIP, 4.13 SIERA, 4.55 FIP) were less impressive. He also experienced an increase in walks and home runs allowed, while his groundball percentage tumbled by over 12 percent from the previous season.
The 30-year-old Perez signed a minor league contract with the Nationals over the winter and then made their Opening Day roster. Perez couldn’t take advantage of the opportunity, though, as he collected one hit (a single) in 21 plate appearances and struck out 10 times, leading the Nats to boot him from their 40-man roster.
Hopefully Soto can stay healthy from here on out. Major League Baseball needs him and Tatis and Acuna on the field if they have any hope of appealing to a new generation of baseball fans.
And Guerrero, Robert, Bichette
I get what both of you are saying, but Soto’s ABs are on another level in terms of gamesmanship and the psychological battle with the pitcher. His actions/mannerisms during an at bat are entertaining and it’s compelling to see how pitchers react to his actions.
Off topic but, the comments couldn’t be more wrong
mlbtraderumors.com/2021/03/offseason-in-review-san…
Haha agreed
I like The Giants WAY better than Padres and Dodgers. As a Sox fan, I see some similarities between the 2 teams
the season lasts more then 28 games
We’re a month in… there’s still time for the Giants to claim their annual 4th place position
Celebrating a little early, aren’t we?
Part of his handle might hint at the levity of his comments (breezy.) Or maybe he just lives in South City.
Does Yadiel Hernandez sit now that Soto is back? Hernandez is playing better than Schwarber.
Does Hernandez or Schwarber sit with Soto back?
It should be Schwarber, but it’ll be Yadi. Dude with the bigger contract plays regardless of performance. If Yadi was a right they’d platoon but the fact that they’re both lefties makes it difficult. Still, Yadi is gonna start for a while longer while Soto gets back to full health and then will likely earn two or three starts a week spelling Soto and Schwarber.
One of My best friend in elementary school was named Juan. He was a cool kid.
Interesting since Juan does not seem to be that common of a name.
It takes Juan to know Juan…